Elena kagan gay

Lately in the news, there has been much debate about Solicitor General Elena Kagan’s sexual orientation and whether or not it matters when considering her nomination to the Supreme Court.

Andrew Sullivan makes an interesting argument that the American people have the right to know where a Supreme Court Justice is coming from, and that a nominee’s sexual orientation should be public just like one’s racial or religious identity.

The obvious question is, “If she were a man, would anyone be questioning her sexuality?”

Because Elena Kagan has not married, has not had children, and has done so well professionally, her story does not fit the usual narrative for women (although it does describe the life choices of a growing percentage of American women). The White House is denouncing the rumors about Kagan’s sexuality, arguing that it is slanderous to “accuse” her of such a thing.

But this is an imperfect world and it would be political suicide to come out during the Senate hearings. "In a free society in the 21st century, it is not illegitimate to ask."

Sullivan, who does not substantiate who the "many" are, insisted that he's not trying to slander or "expose" Kagan, but said his question is a fair one that ought to be a matter of record.

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It’s common knowledge that Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is Jewish, and except for some handwringing over the fact that her appointment would mean the Court would be made up entirely of Jews and Catholics, her Jewish identity is a non-issue.

"So, is she gay?" he wrote in a headline just minutes after Obama announced his pick Monday.

"We have been told by many that she is gay ...

Everyone wants to know: “Is Elena Kagan gay?” The suspicion arises from the fact that Kagan is unmarried, does not have children, and while no one would dare admit it, I am willing to bet her short haircut is a part of the equation.

Since we don’t see a gay individual as threatening to our point of view, it’s easy to say “Who cares?” or “It doesn’t matter,” and dismiss the discussion out of hand. Interestingly, the debate doesn’t seem to be as much about whether she is or isn’t a lesbian, but more about the American public having the right to know.

The sexual orientation of a potential Supreme Court Justice may be relevant, but the question of Elena Kagan’s sexuality and why it came about is still problematic. Some conservative religious groups and gay bloggers are demanding that Kagan herself address the question head-on.

There’s nothing like the “What are you, gay?” line to scare a man or woman back into a traditional gender presentation. Lesbians, like other "sexually abnormal" people, are morally unfit to sit on the Supreme Court. Because deep down all women want to be wives and mothers, right?

The other way to respond to the speculation is by not responding at all.

Please tell us what you think.